Are you headed to Disney World in January? Well, there’s a whole lot to see and do! Whether you’re wondering what the crowds will be like, deciding what to wear based on the weather, or looking for something new to do, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for everything you need to know about your trip January 2025 trip to Disney World!

Disney World Events in January

January is an eventful month at Walt Disney World, offering something for everyone, from athletes and foodies to families celebrating the new year. Whether you’re a runner participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon, a cheerleader competing in national championships, or a fan of immersive arts experiences at EPCOT, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the month.

Here’s a quick look at the January 2025 events:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st, 2025
• Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom: January 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 2025
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 8th-11th, 2025
• Holiday Weekend (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): January 17th-21st, 2025
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: January 17th-31st, 2025
• Disney Girls Soccer Showcase: January 17th-20th, 2025
• College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship: January 17th-19th, 2025
• Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios: January 22nd and 29th, 2025
• 2025 USA Field Hockey Sunshine Showcase: January 24th-26th, 2025
• National Dance Team Championship: January 31st-February 2nd, 2025

Be sure to check Disney’s theme park hours to see how/if any of these events will impact your park day plans.

January Disney World Crowds

January is one of the quieter months at Walt Disney World, especially after the New Year’s holiday crowds disperse. Most schools are back in session, making weekdays relatively calm compared to the peak holiday season. Weekends may still see moderate crowds as locals visit the parks, but overall, it’s a fantastic time to enjoy shorter wait times for popular attractions. Events like the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kick off in mid-January, which can attract some additional visitors, particularly on weekends. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend also tends to draw heavier crowds, but the overall atmosphere remains relaxed compared to busier times of the year.

Tips for Navigating January Crowds

Arrive early! Rope-dropping—being at the park gates before opening—is one of the best ways to enjoy popular attractions with minimal waits. Take advantage of the cooler mornings to tackle outdoor rides and save indoor shows or attractions for the afternoon. Since January evenings can be chilly, plan to do more outdoor attractions earlier in the day and save cozy, warm indoor experiences for after sunset. You can also use the My Disney Experience app to check real-time wait times and modify your plans as needed to ensure you don’t spend your whole day waiting in lines.

January can be one of the most stress-free times to visit Walt Disney World so enjoy it!

Should You Purchase Lightning Lane Services?

Given the lower crowd levels in January, you may not need to purchase Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Passes for every park/attraction. For example, you may want to purchase the services for your day at Magic Kingdom since there are so many attractions and things to do, but skip the services in parks like EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These parks have fewer rides so you’ll likely have plenty of time to get to everything on your to-do list thanks to the shorter wait times and lighter crowds.

If there are specific must-do rides on your list, like TRON Lightcycle / Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, consider purchasing Lightning Lane Single Passes for those rather than the full Multi Pass. This selective approach can save money without sacrificing convenience.

Disney World Weather in January

January at Disney World is shaping up to be perfect for anyone looking to escape the cold winter months in the north, with mild temperatures and mostly clear skies. Throughout the month, expect daytime highs to hover around 70°F (21°C) with cooler evenings dropping into the mid-50s°F (12-14°C). While rain is less frequent in January, occasional light showers are possible, so having a flexible plan is key.

For your January trip, plan to dress in comfortable layers. Pack lightweight long sleeves or t-shirts for the daytime, along with a cozy jacket or fleece for the cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as well as a compact rain jacket or poncho to handle any surprise showers. A small backpack can help carry extra layers or essentials like sunscreen and refillable water bottles. If you’re traveling with little ones, consider adding a warm hat or scarf for nighttime parades or fireworks when temperatures can feel especially chilly.

Disney World Water Parks in January

Despite the cooler season, Disney’s water parks are heated, keeping the water temperature around 80°F (27°C) for a comfortable swim. In January 2025, Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for its annual refurbishment throughout the month, leaving Blizzard Beach as the sole water park option. Known for its whimsical ski-resort theme and thrilling water attractions, Blizzard Beach is the perfect spot for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Blizzard Beach typically operates from 10AM to 5PM daily during January, but it’s always wise to check Disney’s official website or app for the most up-to-date hours. Cold snaps can occasionally cause the park to close for the day, as Disney prioritizes guest comfort and safety. If the forecast predicts cooler weather during your visit, consider having a backup plan in mind, such as exploring the resorts or heading to Disney Springs.

Note that, despite the heated pools, the air temperature can feel chilly, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Pack warm towels, a dry change of clothes, and even a lightweight jacket to stay comfortable when you’re not in the water. You may also want to consider wearing water shoes, as the pavement can feel cold on cooler days.

January Disney World Prices

January is often considered one of the more budget-friendly months to visit Walt Disney World, especially after the New Year’s holiday crowds subside. Ticket and hotel prices tend to be lower compared to peak seasons, making it a great time for those looking to enjoy the magic while saving a bit on their vacation. However, prices can vary depending on your travel dates, with holiday weekends and special events causing slight increases. Here’s a breakdown of ticket pricing and hotel rates to help you plan your January getaway.

January 2025 Park Ticket Prices

Walt Disney World ticket prices in January are generally more affordable than during peak holiday seasons, offering great value for guests. Weekdays and non-event days typically have the lowest prices, while weekends and holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day may see slight increases.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a park ticket in January:

• Magic Kingdom: $164-$189
• EPCOT: $149-$179
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $159-$184
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $134-$164
• Park Hopper: $228-$254
• Park Hopper Plus: $248-$274

January 2025 Disney World Resort Hotel Prices

January hotel rates at Walt Disney World tend to be lower compared to the bustling holiday season, making it a great time to find deals on accommodations. Value and Moderate Resorts often have the best prices, while Deluxe Resorts may see slight increases during holiday weekends or special events. Be sure to check out January’s hotel deals and discounts before you book to get the best rates!

Here’s an overview of the average price ranges for Disney World hotels in January 2025:

• Value Resorts: $150–$250 per night
• Moderate Resorts: $250–$400 per night
• Deluxe Resorts: $450–$800+ per night

These ranges can vary based on factors like weekends, holiday events, and room availability, so be sure to check Disney’s website or contact reservations for the most accurate pricing.

January Deals and Discounts

You don’t have to pay full price for your theme park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stay if you visit in January! Disney is offering special discounts for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, Military Members, and…well…everyone else!

All Guests:

• Save up to 25% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most Sunday to Thursday nights in January. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.
• Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass: Enjoy unlimited visits to Disney’s water parks through May 23rd, 2025 for only $79 per pass. Learn more here.

Florida Residents:

• Save up to 30% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most Sunday to Thursday nights in January. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.

Annual Passholders:

• Save up to 35% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most Sunday to Thursday nights in January. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.

Military Members:

• Save on park tickets: Specially priced 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day Disney Military Salute Tickets can be purchased throughout 2025. Learn more here.
• Save on rooms at select Disney Resorts from January 1st through December 19th, 2025. Learn more here.

January Refurbishments and Closures

Disney takes advantage of the quieter post-holiday season to prepare for the busy months ahead, so quite a few refurbishments and closures are scheduled in January 2025. During your visit, you should anticipate some attractions being temporarily (or even permanently) closed across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Additionally, select Disney Resorts may also have areas under renovation, affecting amenities like pools or dining locations.

Knowing about the closures and planning ahead can help you make the most of your vacation despite these temporary changes. Here’s the full list of closures to plan for in January 2025:

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed January 6th, 2025, opening in 2026
• Astro Orbiter: Closed January 13th, 2025, opening summer 2025
• Hall of Presidents: Closed January 20th, 2025, opening TBA

EPCOT

• Test Track: Closed all month long for reimagining, opening late summer 2025
• Gran Fiesta Tour: Closed for refurbishment starting January 6th, 2025, and reopening on March 15th, 2025

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Kali River Rapids: Closed for refurbishment January 6th through TBA, 2025
• Construction begins in DinoLand, U.S.A: TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures close permanently on January 13th, 2025

Disney Resorts

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Fantasia Pool: Closed January 2025 to April 2025
• Beach Club Resort & Villas Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool: Closed from January 2025 to June 2025
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9AM)
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas Ongoing Refurbishments: The hotel is currently undergoing refurbishment as Disney redesigns the lobby and rooms. You may hear or see construction during your stay (though not between dusk and 9AM)

What’s New at Disney World In January

January 2025 brings fresh experiences and unique offerings to Walt Disney World, making it an exciting time to visit. One of the highlights is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, returning with new features for its creative celebration. This year, guests can look forward to all-new art installations and interactive exhibits scattered throughout the park. The festival’s fan-favorite Disney on Broadway Concert Series will feature new performers from fan-favorite Disney musicals, creating an unforgettable lineup of live entertainment. Foodies will also enjoy fresh dishes and drinks at the festival’s food studios, where new dishes and beverages are debuting.

Beyond EPCOT, other exciting updates await throughout the parks. At Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle / Run continues to draw thrill-seekers, offering one of the park’s most immersive and high-tech experiences, along with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the recently updated Country Bear Musical Jamboree.

Also, starting in January 2025, anyone staying at Disney Resort Hotels can take advantage of a brand-new perk – complimentary access to Disney’s water parks on their check-in day! This means you can kick off your vacation with a free visit to Blizzard Beach, the sole water park open in January, without needing a separate ticket.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to see what’s new, January is a great time to be at Walt Disney World. To learn more about what else is in store for 2025 click here!

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